The Inexhaustible Masterpiece
They say that students and lovers of art will spend weeks sitting before a single masterpiece by one of the great artists. Some repeat this process year after year. To fully enjoy such a masterful work of art they need to immerse themselves in it for hour and hours. There was a man who said that he spent years studying a painting and that he was able to “discover some new beauty and a new joy” every time.
I enjoy a great painting or sculpture but it seems impossible to me that a person, even an expert or enthusiast, could spend weeks and weeks pouring over a piece of art and continue discovering something new, a “new beauty or joy.” They say that they can find some new part of the painting, a certain stroke of the brush, a use of color or some other fine detail that others never see.
If there is that much beauty and intricate detail in a painting, a creation of man, how much truer of God’s creation. A creation so vast we haven't discovered its full splendor much less study and observe it. Which brings up the question; if the creation is so expansive and magnificent, what does that say about the one who created it? We can sometimes become so familiar that we don’t look beyond the creation to the Creator.
God Almighty, the Creator, is much bigger than we could ever imagine.
Job 11:7-8 NIV “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
God is far higher than you can imagine, far deeper than you can comprehend, Stretching farther than earth’s horizons, far wider than the endless ocean.”
There is a depth to the nature of God that we have yet to see and enjoy. If we had ten thousand years we would have only scratched the surface of the immensity of His glory. God is an inexhaustible masterpiece.
Can our little minds comprehend how big God is? Of course not but that’s the very reason we keep coming back. There is a newness and a freshness to God, not because there is something new about God but because we see Him and experience Him in a way we have not done so before. It’s as if we have discovered some new beauty and joy each time.
Sometimes the joy comes in the rediscovery of a beauty that we have all but forgotten, one that God has framed in a new setting providing an even greater appreciation. As we grow so does our capacity for understanding and enjoying the person and work of our God.
What Is God’s Greatest Masterpiece?
God is the inexhaustible masterpiece, but what would you say is the greatest of His masterpieces?
You could give many different answers to that question. Many would say that God’s greatest masterpiece is the sunset that paints the evening sky or the millions of stars that twinkle so beautifully each night. Others might point to the majestic mountain ranges or the mighty, rushing rivers. And some might say the flowers that bloom in the spring or the many amazing creatures that populate our planet.
You Are God’s Greatest Masterpiece
All of those masterpieces are impressive, but none of them are the greatest that God has created. If you are a Christian you probably saw one of these works of art already today . . . that is, if you looked in a mirror. Yes, YOU are the greatest of God’s masterpieces.
Actually God’s greatest masterpieces have been created twice.
First creation
Genesis 1:26-27 NASB Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Second creation
2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
You "are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus "
Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
They say that students and lovers of art will spend weeks sitting before a single masterpiece by one of the great artists. Some repeat this process year after year. To fully enjoy such a masterful work of art they need to immerse themselves in it for hour and hours. There was a man who said that he spent years studying a painting and that he was able to “discover some new beauty and a new joy” every time.
I enjoy a great painting or sculpture but it seems impossible to me that a person, even an expert or enthusiast, could spend weeks and weeks pouring over a piece of art and continue discovering something new, a “new beauty or joy.” They say that they can find some new part of the painting, a certain stroke of the brush, a use of color or some other fine detail that others never see.
If there is that much beauty and intricate detail in a painting, a creation of man, how much truer of God’s creation. A creation so vast we haven't discovered its full splendor much less study and observe it. Which brings up the question; if the creation is so expansive and magnificent, what does that say about the one who created it? We can sometimes become so familiar that we don’t look beyond the creation to the Creator.
God Almighty, the Creator, is much bigger than we could ever imagine.
Job 11:7-8 NIV “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
God is far higher than you can imagine, far deeper than you can comprehend, Stretching farther than earth’s horizons, far wider than the endless ocean.”
There is a depth to the nature of God that we have yet to see and enjoy. If we had ten thousand years we would have only scratched the surface of the immensity of His glory. God is an inexhaustible masterpiece.
Can our little minds comprehend how big God is? Of course not but that’s the very reason we keep coming back. There is a newness and a freshness to God, not because there is something new about God but because we see Him and experience Him in a way we have not done so before. It’s as if we have discovered some new beauty and joy each time.
Sometimes the joy comes in the rediscovery of a beauty that we have all but forgotten, one that God has framed in a new setting providing an even greater appreciation. As we grow so does our capacity for understanding and enjoying the person and work of our God.
What Is God’s Greatest Masterpiece?
God is the inexhaustible masterpiece, but what would you say is the greatest of His masterpieces?
You could give many different answers to that question. Many would say that God’s greatest masterpiece is the sunset that paints the evening sky or the millions of stars that twinkle so beautifully each night. Others might point to the majestic mountain ranges or the mighty, rushing rivers. And some might say the flowers that bloom in the spring or the many amazing creatures that populate our planet.
You Are God’s Greatest Masterpiece
All of those masterpieces are impressive, but none of them are the greatest that God has created. If you are a Christian you probably saw one of these works of art already today . . . that is, if you looked in a mirror. Yes, YOU are the greatest of God’s masterpieces.
Actually God’s greatest masterpieces have been created twice.
First creation
Genesis 1:26-27 NASB Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Second creation
2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
You "are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus "
Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
God views you as His treasured possession.
Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV for you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.
To Him, you are a rare jewel in His hand.
Isaiah 62:3 NIV You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Maybe you don’t feel treasured, cared for, valuable, or worthy. What would change about your life if you saw yourself as you truly are—as precious and treasured by God?
What if on this very day, God were to reveal to you all the ways He treasures you? Imagine how you treat your most precious, treasured possession. You protect it carefully; you position in it the best light; you refresh any parts of it that seem worn or fading. If we care for our earthly valuables in this way, consider how much more God will protect us, position us, and refresh us.
When God chose you to belong to Him, He never meant to leave you on your own to suffer and wander alone as a disregarded, worthless person. Instead, He carefully cares for you.
Scripture makes the astonishing claim that God will “never stop doing good” to His people;
Jeremiah 32:40 NIV I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. (emphasis mine)
He “richly blesses all who call on him”;
Romans 10:12 NIV For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ( emphasis mine)
He “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”;
1 Timothy 6:17 NIV Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (emphasis mine)
He “satisfies [our]desires with good things”
Psalm 103:2-5 NIV Praise the Lord , my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (emphasis mine)
This is a God who delights in your well-being and seeks to love and care for you as His treasured possession.
Consider the gentle care of God in Psalm 23. He makes you lie down to rest; He leads you to peaceful waters; He restores your soul; He guides you. God is a Good Shepherd caring for you tenderly.
Psalm 23:1-6 MSG God , my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
As you trust in God’s care for your life, remember He arranges the circumstances of your day to ultimately bless you and restore your soul. But just like a rare jewel might need some shining and sculpting to reveal its true beauty, God may put you in situations designed to refine you and rub off anything that obscures your beauty. The whole time, though, He’s treasuring you and showing you His care and love. On this day, look for evidence that God chose you as His treasured possession.
What Happens When God Turns You Into His Masterpiece?
You are Forgiven
Do not let your past mistakes keep you from living the joyful life God wants you to have. His love and grace is bigger than any sin.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
1 John 1:9 NASB So If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
You Show Other People How Great God Is
You are a living, breathing testimony of God’s grace and love through Jesus Christ. God says He picked you to be part of a new family, meant to show the difference He can make in a life.
1 Peter 2:9 NASB But you are A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession , so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Your life is like a beautiful painting that gives recognition to its painter. As God’s masterpiece,
Matthew 5:14-16 NASB "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
You Become the Light of the World
Jesus sets you free from the slavery of sin when you accept Christ. Sin won’t control you anymore. God gives you the Holy Spirit, who is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.
Romans 8:11 NASB But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
When you have the Holy Spirit, you will reflect God’s love, peace and patience through the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 NASB But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
God has created you to be a masterpiece so that He could show you off! He has a plan and purpose for you. He wants you to be that showpiece everyone talks about. The next time you look in the mirror say it out loud for your brain to capture. “I am God’s masterpiece!”
Editor's Note: Some content is from the YouVersion Reading Plan “What Is God's Plan For Me? 7 InvitationsTo Life You’ve Been Missing”, published by Moody Publishing. Scriptural content added by the blog publisher. Additional content from the sermon God’s Masterpiece.
You are Forgiven
Do not let your past mistakes keep you from living the joyful life God wants you to have. His love and grace is bigger than any sin.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
1 John 1:9 NASB So If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
You Show Other People How Great God Is
You are a living, breathing testimony of God’s grace and love through Jesus Christ. God says He picked you to be part of a new family, meant to show the difference He can make in a life.
1 Peter 2:9 NASB But you are A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession , so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Your life is like a beautiful painting that gives recognition to its painter. As God’s masterpiece,
Matthew 5:14-16 NASB "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
You Become the Light of the World
Jesus sets you free from the slavery of sin when you accept Christ. Sin won’t control you anymore. God gives you the Holy Spirit, who is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.
Romans 8:11 NASB But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
When you have the Holy Spirit, you will reflect God’s love, peace and patience through the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 NASB But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
God has created you to be a masterpiece so that He could show you off! He has a plan and purpose for you. He wants you to be that showpiece everyone talks about. The next time you look in the mirror say it out loud for your brain to capture. “I am God’s masterpiece!”
Editor's Note: Some content is from the YouVersion Reading Plan “What Is God's Plan For Me? 7 InvitationsTo Life You’ve Been Missing”, published by Moody Publishing. Scriptural content added by the blog publisher. Additional content from the sermon God’s Masterpiece.
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